Neymar doubtful for Fortaleza, Mayke out for Santos | OneFootball

Santos is ready for the direct clash against Fortaleza. On Friday afternoon, the Santos squad wrapped up preparations for the match, valid for the 31st round of the Brazilian Championship. Neymar took to the field, but his presence in the match is still uncertain. Meanwhile, Mayke did not train and will be a miss.

Peixe opened the doors of CT Rei Pelé for the press to watch the warm-up led by coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda. Neymar went out onto the field and participated in ball work alongside his teammates during this initial stage, but remains a doubt.

At the moment, the star is still in the process of physical transition. He is training physically with the squad and working with the ball on the CT Rei Pelé pitch. However, this second part is done individually.

The star even wanted to play against Fortaleza, understanding the importance of the match, but the Peixe medical department is handling the situation with caution, not wanting to rush the star’s return. His comeback is unlikely, but there is still a remote chance he could be included in the squad.

How was the training?

Santos’ training started with a warm-up on the pitch. The players formed a large circle and played the famous ‘rondo’, passing the ball among themselves. Journalists watched the first moments of the work on the field. At the start of the tactical part, the session was closed.

Despite the delicate situation in the Brasileirão, the atmosphere at CT Rei Pelé was quite relaxed. The squad joked among themselves and had moments of fun during the warm-up.

Absences and returns

Santos suffered a “last minute” blow for the match. Right-back Mayke has a right knee inflammation and did not train on the field with the squad this Friday, staying inside the CT Rei Pelé facilities. The defender will therefore miss the game against Fortaleza.

Besides Mayke, Souza will also be absent. The left-back received his third yellow card in the last round and will have to serve a suspension.

On the other hand, Vojvoda will be able to count on an important reinforcement. Midfielder Zé Rafael served his suspension in the draw against Botafogo and returns to the starting lineup against Fortaleza.

Probable Santos lineup

Santos should have Zé Rafael back in midfield. The replacement for Souza will be the Argentine Escobar, the only option for the position.

A probable Santos lineup: Brazão; Igor Vinícius, Luan Peres, Adonis Frías and Escobar; João Schmidt, Zé Rafael and Victor Hugo (Guilherme); Barreal, Rollheiser and Lautaro Díaz.

The ball rolls this Saturday, at 4pm (Brasília time), at Vila Belmiro.

Santos’ position in the table

With the draw against Botafogo, Santos remains in 16th place, now with 32 points, one more than Vitória, who lost to Corinthians and sits just above the relegation zone.

Upcoming Santos matches

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.